Power-driven wheelbarrow



Dec. 12, 1950 L. D. BELL 2,533,549

POWER-DRIVEN WHEELBARROW Filed Jan. 9, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 five-afar lam/Ten 0e 2. Bell "g? I by V M, $3M %rne ys Dec.- 12, 1950 1... D. BELL POWER-DRIVEN WHEELBARROW 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 9, 1947 Rveni oT Zawrewce 27. B611 Dec. 12, 1950 L. D. BELL 2,533,549

' POWER-DRIVEN WHEELBARROW Filed Jan. 9, 1947 3 SheetsSheet 3 XNVENTOR Lawr'BeYnce 301i QLM @MM, v 6.3m;

ATTORNEYS Patented Dec. 1 2, 1 950 OFFICE POWER-DRIVEN WHEELBARROW Lawrence D. Bell, Eggertsville, N. Y., assignor to Bell Aircraft Corporation, Wheatfield, N. Y.

Application January 9, 1947, Serial No. 721,020

6 Claims.

This invention relates to a power vehicle believed to have inherent versatility unequalled and unknown at the present time. In purpose and use it can perhaps be best described as a prime mover, figuratively defined in Webster's unabridged dictionary as meaning an original A primary object of the present invention is to furnish, for one-man operation, a simple compact tractored power unit which is adapted to perform as the prime mover in combination with a large variety of interchangeable accessory tools. 7

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved machine for the purposes aforesaid, which is self-powered and arranged to be steered and otherwise controlled with improved facility.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel chassis structure of self-propelling and manually controlled type, such as is adapted to be equipped with a variety of body types for handling different kinds of loads.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the character aforesaid in which the component parts and the operative mechanisms are so relatively arranged as to provide an improved balance and disposition of the center of gravity of the machine and the load, whereby heavier loads may be handled and controlled by a single operator with improved ease and facility.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved machine for the aforesaid purpose whereby a single operator may more rapidly handle loads of increased volume and weight, and in return for less exertion on the part of the operator.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel self-propelling :chassis which is adapted to mount a variety of working implements such as for example wheelbarrow beds, trucking bodies, earth plowing and/or cultivating implements, lawn grass mowers, rakes, and the like; whereby a single chassis of the invention may be employed in combination with interchangeable accessories such as listed hereinabove.

Another more specific object of the present invention is to provide an improved material handling and transporting machine of the wheelbarrow type, which Will enable the operator to transport bulk materials such as earth, crushed stone, sand, coal, building supplies, farm produce, and the like, with improved facility.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a wheelbarrow type device an improved dumping and dumping control arrangement.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in the specification hereinafter.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention solely by way of examples of physical embodiments thereof; and it is to be understood that the novel features of the invention may be attained in combination with a large variety of other vehicle designs and arrangements.

In the drawing:

Fig. l is a top perspective view of a machine of the invention, with a wheelbarrow type body mounted thereon;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical section through the body .portion of the machine of Fig. 1, showing the power supply and control elements thereof in elevation;

Fig. 3 is a transverse vertical section along line IIIIII of Fig. 2, also showing parts of the power supply mechanism in elevation;

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of a machine of the invention with a difierent wheelbarrow pan mounting arrangement;

Fig. 5 is a top perspective of the chassis frame portion of the machine; and

Fig. 6 is a rear view of the structure of Fig. 5, as indicated at VI-VI in Fig. 5.

The drawing illustrates the invention to comprise a self-propelling chassis indicated generally at Ill which includes a frame ll shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, mounting for purposes of example only, a wheelbarrow type pan 2, for use in transporting loose earth, sand, coal, building supplies, or the like. As referred to hereinabove, however, it is to be understood that the chassis portion of the machine is particularly adapted to mount in interchangeable relation in lieu of the wheelbarrow pan shown any other type body or loadcarrying bed, or attachments such as earth plows or cultivators or grass mowers or snow plows, or the like.

Referring now more particularly to the chassis portion ill of the drawing, it is seen that the chassis frame H is formed of stamped sheet metal to comprise a pair of side Walls or stringer portions I4-l4 having inturned flanges l5| 5 and being interconnected at their front ends by means of a transverse curved nose plate portion l6. At the rear end of the frame the stringers l4-l4 are interconnected by a back plate l3,

whereby an open center and generally rectangular frame structure is provided. The nose portion It leads into an inclined top apron portion 19 at the front end of the frame for purposes to be described hereinafter. A front axle housing 28 is mounted by means of brackets 2222 transversely across the bottom of the side stringers I l-IQ. A U-shaped bracket 25 is bolted as at 2828 at its upper head end to the uppfir transverse edge portion of the front plate is, and is fixed by welding or the like at its lower leg end portions to the axle housing at the points 29-29. Thus, a rigid vertical truss is provided to relatively brace the front axle housing and the chassis frame structure. The bracket 26 is also utilized to carry the jack shaft portion of the driving mechanism, as will be explained more fully hereinafter.

It is contemplated that any suitable type engine may be mounted in the chassis for propelling the latter, and as illustrated herein, the engine is shown at 30 (Figs. 2 and 3) to comprise a rugged 2-oyc1e air-cooled internal combustion unit having its crank case 32 bolted to the chassis frame as by means of brackets 3 i-3 i. The power transmission mechanism as illustrated includes a driving sprocket 36, a drive chain 38, and speed reduction sprockets 4042 which are carried by a jack shaft 44 journaled transversely of the bracket 26. A final drive chain 86 interconnects the sprocket 42 and a sprocket 18 which is keyed to the drive shaft 49 of a differential unit Ell (Fig. 3) disposed intermediately of the axle housing 29. The power output portions of the differential unit Ell are connected to driving axles (not shown) extending into driving connections with wheels 5254 mounted at opposite sides of the frame l 0. It will of course be understood that the wheels 52-54 are carried by suitable bearings as at 56-56 in the axle housing 28, and that the axle housing and wheel-bearing and differential driving connections are arranged in accord with well established automotive machine principles.

The chassis I is supported at its rear end by means of a castering wheel 60 which is mounted under the frame by means of an inclined fork 62 having a vertical bearing shaft 64 journalledin a bearing 65 carried by the back plate portion [6 of the chassis frame. The back plate 18 is recessed as indicated at 67 (Fig. 3) to accommodate the wheel 69, and the bearing 66 is located centrally of the back plate l8 whereby a threewheel running gear is provided with the power applied to the pair of directionally fixed wheels for maximum traction purposes. The back plate portion [3 of the frame is formed with forwardly extending flanges 6.869 at the top and bottom edges of the plate to mount therein the bearing 56.

A pair of handle bars IO- are bolted at their bottom ends as at 12 (Fig. l) to opposite sides of the chassis frame and extend approximately parallel upwardly and rearwardly therefrom and terminate in suitable hand grip portions l474.

The handle bars 10-70 are relatively braced as may be required, such as by means of cross braces '!6l6, so that the machine operator may apply side thrusts against the handles l4'|'4. and thereby have full steering control of the machine. A clutch control lever 78 is carried at one of the handles 14 for operator control of the transmission clutch device as indicated at 9, and an engine throttle governor control lever '80 is carried by the other handle within convenient 4 reach of the operator while steering the machine with either hand. For this purpose it is contemplated that any suitable type engine governor may be employed, such as a centrifugal type governor connected to the engine throttle for maintaining the engine at a substantially constant B. P. M., but operator-adjustable to various speeds of engine operation to suit the machine to different work. Any suitable wheel brake mechanism may of course be provided if desired, such as band brake units carried either directly by the wheels 52-5 or by the drive shafts.

The engine fuel tank is shown to be conveniently mounted as indicated at upon the handle bar structure, so as to be disposed at an elevation above the engine 30; whereby fuel will be furnished to the engine in accord with the well known gravity feed principle.

It is a special feature of the invention that the paired directionally fixed wheels 5254 are arranged to carry the major portion of the vehicle load, and that the load receiving pan [2 is so shaped and dimensioned and positioned on the chassis it that whenever the machine is in substantially level attitude for normal transportation purposes, the center of gravity of the load and the vehicle combined is somewhat behind the frontv wheel axle. Thus, the loaded machine is stabilized against accidental dumping under normal road travelling conditions. However, upon arrival at the load destination the operator may relatively easily tip the machine forwardly by pulling upwardly against the handles 5-4-14, whereupon the center of gravity of the load and the vehicle combined moves forwardly and over the front axle to assist in dumping the loads as will be explained more fully hereinafter.

More particularly, it is contemplated that the load carrying pan portion l2 be formed with a forwardly and upwardly inclined front Wall portion 82- over which the load slips when the operator lifts. the rear end of the machine, in combination with a rocker structure of special configuration at the front end of the machine. As illustrated in the drawing the rocker structure may comprise a pair of arcuately shaped horns or rockers B L-8Q connected at their upper ends by devices 86 to opposite front corner portions of the bed 12, and adjacent their lower ends by devices 8,8 into recessed opposite front corner portions 89..89 of the chassis frame [0. The rockers 84-84 are curved to radii centered on the transverse horizontal axis of the center of gravity of the load and the machine combined, as indicated for example as. being at. point 90- (Fig. 2). Also, the rockers 84-84. extend downwardly as indicated at, 92 below their points of connection with the chassis frame into close proximity with the wheels 52*54 and are so mounted upon the machine chassis and the pan structure as to have their lines of curvature extending when viewed in side elevation substantially tangential with the treads of the wheels 52-54.

Consequently, whenever the machine is tipped it will rock forwardly directly upon the horns and the particulararra' ent; of the horns as explained hereinabove res the load being pl d f rw r ly of the fr at wheel axis Without sub-eta 'al change the elevation of the center of gravity hereof while the load isv taken by the rockers fifi-t i' instead of by the operator. If preferred, the rockers &- 1.-Sd may be disposed so as to be slightly retracted inwardly from positions of exact tangential extension relative to the tread portions of the. wheels i i-E i, so that as the machine is tipped over onto the rockers the pull of gravity will be permitted to give a slight assistance to the forward dumping motion. In any case the loads to be carried or the forces to be exerted by the power unit of the invention are centered approximately upon the forwardly extending nose portion of the chassis frame.

The rolled nose portion 16 and the sloping apron portion is of the frame I! of the chassis structure of the present invention lends itself particularly to novel and advantageous accessory mounting arrangements. For example, when a wheelbarrow type pan accessory is mounted upon the chassis in combination with a rocker structure as illustrated in Figs. 1-3 and described hereinabove, the chassis provides a front strutlike support for the lower ends of the rockers so as to take directly the loads imposed thereon during the dumping operations; the upper ends of the rockers being simply stabilized through their connections to the pan structure.

Or, as illustrated in Fig. 4, a wheelbarrow type bed or pan I93 may be mounted upon the frame Ii so as to be pivotable thereon as about connection means indicated at 12, thereby pivotally joining the bed Hill with the frame II at approximately the crest of the sloping apron portion E9 of the frame. A spring latch device as indicated at I 65 may be employed at the rear end of the frame for holding the bed we downwardly against the frame during loading and transporting operations, and is adapted to be depressed by the operator so as to release the bed to be free to pivot upon the connection 192 when it is desired to dump the load. Thus, upon release of the latch and tilting of the machine forwardly the center of gravity of the load will be thereby displaced forwardly and beyond the vertical plane of the pivotal connection IE2, whereby the pan will continue to rotate until the sloping front wall is of the pan rests against the sloping apron [9 of the frame. At this stage of the operation the pan is firmly supported by the apron portion of the frame while the load slips over the downwardly tilted front wall of the pan; and thus it will be appreciated that the sloping apron l9 cooperates with the dumping pan in such manner as to firmly support and protect the latter against damage during the dumping operation.

The vehicle chassis and load pan arrangement as shown in Fig. 4 is specifically designed so that little or no effort need be applied by the operator to dump the load from the pan upon arrival at the load destination, or to return the pan from its dumping position back to its normal reclining position on the chassis frame. This is accomplished by positioning the pan pivot axis just slightly ahead of the front wheel axle 49, while the pan I39 is so shaped and constructed that when the pan is empty the center of gravity of the pan alone is always aft of the hinge axis Hi2. Also, the desired result is obtained by shaping the pan Hit so that the loads may be positioned therein so as to variously dispose (in directions longitudinally of the vehicle) the center of gravity of the load.

For example, the pan may be loaded so that the center of gravity of the load itself is slightly ahead of the hinge axis I62, whereby whenever the latch I95 is released the pan I08 will automatically dump forwardly. Then upon discharge of the load the pan will pivot backwardly of its own accord due to the fact that the center of gravity of the empty pan is aft of the hinge axis m2. Thus, the pan automaticall returns to nor mal reclining position against the chassis frame and the mechanism I locks the pan inits position so as to be ready for reloading. In connection with the above type of loading, it is to be noted that although the center of gravity of the load is positioned so as to be slightly ahead of the hinge axis 182, the entire loaded vehicle will nevertheless be stable while moving between loading and unloading points because of the fact that the center of gravity of the vehicle chassis is disposed at a position substantially aft of the front wheel axle 49. Thus, the load is more than balanced relative tothe front wheel axle, but it will of course be understood that the load may be so positioned within the pan that the center of gravity of the entire combination of vehicle and load is only slightly aft of the front wheel axle, whereupon the operator may relatively easily lift the rear end of the vehicle upon arrival at the load dumping point. As the vehicle tilts the combined center of gravity position will be shifted over and forwardly of the front wheel axle so that the load thereupon tends to dump itself whereby the dumping operation will be effected in return for minimum exertion on the part of the operator.

Or, as distinguished from the above recited method of loading and dumping operation, the vehicle load may be so placed within the pan E00 that the center of gravity of the load itself is slightly aft of the hinge axis I02; whereupon the entire vehicle will be made more stable while trundling between loading and unloading stations. In such case, upon arrival at the unloading station dumping of the pan H30 may be effected either by the operator lifting upwardly against the handlebars with greater force than in the case of the first loading method hereinabove described; or, the vehicle may be directed so that its front wheels bump into a suitably arranged obstacle in front of the dumping station. Thus, upon bumping of the vehicle against the obstacle, the inertia of the load within the pan tends momentarily to continue to carry the load forwardly so that if the latch I65 is released the dumping action will be commenced without upward tilting of the chassis.

Or, it may be preferred to provide a compression spring arrangement as indicated at HB (Fig. 4) based upon the chassis II and so arranged that when the pan IUB is reclining normally upon the chassis in latched position thereon, the spring H0 is under compression. Thus, upon arrival at the unloading station, the latch I05 may be released and the spring Ill) will be freed to initiate the load dumping operation; it being understood that as soon as the pan I0!) is partially tilted thecenter of gravity of the loaded pan moves forwardly and the load then continues automatically to slide over the front lip of the pan. Then upon complete discharge of the load the pan returns by gravity and swings backwardly and downwardly against the chassis; the impact of the returning pan being cushioned by the spring H0, whereupon the latch I95 operates automatically to lock the pan in normal reclining position with the spring H0 compressed and ready to assist in the next dumping operation.

Thus, it will be understood that the loads to be carried within the pan I00 may be variously positioned throughout a wide range of center of gravity positions relative to the front wheel axle and to the pan hinge axis so as to provide any preferred loading and unloading arrangement; all

for the purpose of minimizing the manual efforts required of the operator to effect transportation and dumping of the loads; and in any case it will be appreciated that the loads will always be centered slightly aft of the front wheel axle so that the loaded vehicle will be easy to steer and easy to dump as explained hereinabove.

In any case, the frame structure of the form of the invention shown in Fig. 4 is adapted to function as in the case of the other form illus- 1* trated as a utility stress member when mounting any one of a large variety of other type accessory units such as may be coupled to the sloping apron and rolled nose structure of the chassis frame, whereby the latter takes the major portions of the loads imposed upon the machine through the mounted accessories; whether the accessories be garden plows; snow plows; grass mowers; or other bull-dozing or load-carrying type accessories.

Thus, the chassis frame of the invention is seen to provide the following distinctive functions. It extends at its front end both forwardly and downwardly to provide a dumping bolster upon which the weight of the entire machine and load is transferred during dumping when the load carrying pan is fixedly attached to the frame, thereby facilitating the dumping operation. It provides at its forwardly extending and downwardly sloping apron portion a broad base upon which a pivotally mounted load carrying pan may rock during dumping of a load therefrom; whereby the load pan is firmly supported and protected by the base against damage during the dumping operation. for attachment at positions both forwardly 0r rearwardly of the region of the traction wheel and power plant portion of the machine, whereby either pushing or dragging type accessory tools may be conveniently attached to the frame for the purposes referred to hereinabove. The chassis frame is of generally rectangular open center form with an inclined base-like apron portion at its front end and an open central well through which convenient access may be had to the power plant and operative mechanisms. It will also be appreciated that the uln'lity chassis of the invention is at all times, and irrespective of the type of accessory device employed in. combination therewith, susceptible to maximum steering and tipping control by a single operator. In fact the wheel arrangement illustrated and described permits the machine to be steered to turn upon itself"; that is, within the plan view area occupied by the machine when standing still,

Thus, it will be understood that the utility frame member of the invention provides a particularly compact and rugg-edly built chassis unit which may well be termed a prime mover for use in connection with any farming or building project or the like, whereby a single utility unit of the invention may be employed in combination with a variety of accessory devices to perform any type of work required, It. will also be appreoiated that although only a limited number of forms of the invention have been shown and described in detail it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited but that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1, In combination, a utility unit comprising a rigid frame mounting engine means and traction It provides means 1? Lll Cal

wheels coupled to said engine means, said frame having a sloping top end portion extending longitudinally beyond said traction. wheels, a wheelbarrow type pan pivotally mounted upon said frame and having a forwardly and upwardly sloping front lip portion extending away from said frame and adapted to abut against said sloping top of said frame upon pivoting of said pan, whereby said unit may be tilted forwardly to cause said pan to pivot and roll over onto said sloping top for dumping the load from said pan.

2. In combination, a utility unit comprising a rigid frame mounting engine means and traction wheels coupled to said engine means, said frame having a sloping top end portion extending longitudinally beyond said traction wheels, a wheelbarrow type pan pivotally mounted upon said frame and having a forwardly and upwardly sloping front lip portion extending away from said frame and adapted. to abut against said sloping top of said frame upon pivoting of said pan, said pan being so shaped as to permit loading thereof with the center of gravity of the load either aft of the pivot axis of said pan or over said axis or ahead of said axis, a spring device tending to start said pan to pivot into dumping position, and a releasable latch normally holding said pan down against said spring whereby said latch may be released and said pan permitted to pivot and to roll over onto said sloping top for dumping the load from said pan,

3, In combination, a utility unit comprising a rigid frame mounting engine means and traction wheels coupled to said engine means, said frame having a sloping top end portion extending longitudinally beyond said traction wheels, a wheelbarrow type pan pivotally mounted upon said frame for pivoting about an axis disposed ahead of the centers of rotation of said traction wheels, said pan having a forwardly and upwardly sloping front lip portion extending away from said frame and adapted to abut against said sloping top of said frame upon pivoting of said pan, said pan being so shaped as to permit loading thereof with the center of gravity of the load eithe aft of the pivot axis of said pan or over said axis or ahead of said axis, a spring device tending to start said pan to pivot into dumping position, and a releasable latch normally holding said pan down against said spring whereby said latch may be released and said pan permitted to pivot and to roll over onto said sloping top for dumping the load from said pan.

4. In combination, a utilit unit comprising a rigid frame mounting engine means and traction wheels coupled to said engine means, said frame having a sloping top end portion extending longitudinally beyond said traction wheels, a wheelbarrow type pan mounted upon said frame for tilting about a fulcrum position disposed for- W rdly gf the centers of rotation of saidtraction wheels during a pan dumping operation, said pan having a forwardly and upwardly sloping front lip portion extending away from said frame and adapted to abut against said sloping top of said frame upon pivoting of said pan, said pan being so shaped as to permit loading thereof with the center of gravity of the load either aft of the pivot axis of said pan or over said axis or ahead of said axis.

5. In combination, a utility unit comprising a rigid frame mounting engine means and traction wheels coupled to said engine means, said frame having a sloping top end portion extending longitudinally beyond said traction, wheels, a load bed pivotally mounted upon said frame and having a forwardly and upwardly sloping front lip portion extending away from said frame and adapted to abut against said sloping top of said frame upon pivoting of said bed, whereby said unit may be tilted forwardly to cause said bed to pivot and roll over onto said sloping top for dumpin the load from said bed.

6. In combination, a utility unit comprising a rigid frame mounting engine means and traction wheels compled to said engine means, said frame having a sloping top end portion extendin longitudinally beyond said traction wheels, a load bed having means extending therefrom and pivotally engaging said frame and having a forwardly and upwardly sloping front lip portion extending away from said frame and adapted to abut against said sloping top of said frame upon pivoting of said bed, whereby said unit may be tilted forwardly to cause said bed to pivot and roll over onto said sloping top for dumping the load from said bed.

LAWRENCE D. BELL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

5 UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 908,633 White Jan. 5, 1909 1,292,022 Newman et a1 Jan. 21, I919 10 1,428,194 Von Meyenburg Sept. 5, 1922 1,497,348 Reichman June 10, 1924 2,253,288 De Lucchi Aug. 19, 1941 2,329,372 Hitch Sept. 14, 1943 2,374,533 Fulton Apr. 24, 1945 5 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 470,589 Great Britain of 1937 544,065 Great Britain Mar. 26, 1942 

